Just a few words (Okay, it will probably be more that just a few!) on how I got started with storytelling.
Long ago…oh, wait. I’m not telling a story right now. Oh, actually I am. Anyway, many moons ago, I was volunteering in the children’s department at a local library. The librarian told a story to a group of young children. A wonderful folk tale about a bear. The children were mesmerized, and guess what? They were only three and four years old! The parents were mesmerized. I was mesmerized! I was hooked and decided to become a storyteller. Just like that!
Let me tell you why I love to tell stories. Now keep in mind that I’m a teacher, and primarily have worked with children. But it doesn’t matter. Whatever your job or interests, you can be a storyteller.
Stories are powerful. They grab your attention, and, best of all, they’re fun! They can teach life lessons and about other cultures. They help to develop listening skills and can increase vocabulary. Children learn and hear proper sentence structure, grammar, story sense, sequence…and so on.
Stories can be on any topic or subject. I have recently started telling historical stories. My favorite: Sallie, the Civil War dog. Yes…dog! A delightful and brave bull terrier. Sallie participated in several battles including the Battle of Gettysburg. She was the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers. This story absolutely mesmerizes both young and old. I recently told this story to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (plus their counselors) at a YMCA day camp. You couldn’t even hear a peep from the audience.
A few days later, the director told me that one of the children just so happened to be going on a trip to Gettysburg the next day. She directed her parents to the Pennsylvania 11th Volunteer Infantry monument which includes the bronze image of Sallie. She told her parents the entire story. How’s that for the power of a story? That girl is going to take an active interest in our history! (Bet you want to go and look up Sallie! Go ahead! It’s an amazing story!)
Well, I went way past a few words. Thanks for reading and start working on your storytelling!